Dozens of incarcerated men showed that they could guide their rage into power and transform themselves into peacemakers before a Nov. 21 audience that included local mayors, prison administrators, public safety officials and fellow convicted criminals.
The violence prevention program, Guiding Rage Into Power (GRIP), held its fourth graduation of 72 San Quentin State Prison inmates, along with 12 inmates who had completed a domestic violence counselor curriculum.
“GRIP taught me to be accountable for my crime, to stop looking at external factors,” said Vaughn Miles, 41, who graduated from GRIP last year. “It’s an obligation for taking a life, causing a mother hurt that will never be quenched. My senseless act can’t be undone, but I refused to sit around and make it anymore senseless.”
Conceived by Jacques Verduin, GRIP is a comprehensive offender accountability program.
“It is a best-practices model, born from 18 years of pioneering and working with thousands of prisoners,” its program read.
Verduin is executive director of Insight-Out, a process used by GRIP, which takes participants on a healing journey deep inside themselves to come back out transformed and ready to serve others.
The Insight-Out process uses former prisoners as “Change Agents.” The Change Agents say they are ready to give back to the communities they once took from, work with at-risk youth and teach those who are still incarcerated.
Esmirna Tibay, who is inmate Damon Cooke’s girlfriend said that she has noticed “big changes” in Cooke. “His anger is gone,” she said. “If it weren’t for GRIP, I might have left him,” she joked — “maybe,” she added, smiling at him.
“I’m really excited to be here because I get the opportunity to witness lives being and continuing to be transformed,” added Natalie Tovar, a Walkenhorst Customer Relationship Manager.
Speaking to the graduating inmates, then Acting Warden Kelly Mitchell said, “Each one of you, who have the courage and understand the hurt you’ve made, we welcome you. I know you can make a difference. We all have the chance to be a peacemaker. I want you all to take that pledge. I look forward to seeing you on the streets.”
Mitchell said that she sees a big difference between Pelican Bay and San Quentin. She said that programs like the ones at San Quentin bring down the amount of inmate violence. She continued talking about how programs help offenders once they are released from prison.
“Our inmates get out and stay out,” Mitchell said. “Only two lifers have come back since I’ve been here and both only for parole violations. So I know it makes a difference.”
The GRIP program recognizes its graduates through a ceremony called “A Rite of Passage.”
The Rite of Passage reads, “Together we learn that being free isn’t just a geographic fact; it’s not just the other side of the gate. At the heart of being free is not knowing where you are, but knowing who you are. That identity is sustained by building a tribe or community that helps remind you how and where you belong. The larger community that bears witness to the GRIP graduation ritual serves to actualize this right of passage when members transition from offenders to servants.”
Robert Frye, a GRIP graduate, paroled from San Quentin several months ago.
He said that he is currently employed as an electrician and that he and several other San Quentin alumni conduct speaking engagements at local colleges and youth facilities, touting GRIP, Victim Offender Education Group and Restorative Justice practices.
“Today is a glorious day. It’s a day of recognition,” added another paroled GRIP graduate, Richard Polma. “What a beautiful thing to be free, knowing that the work we’re doing helps create true peacemakers. These men are saving lives and are carrying the peacemaking word to the world. That’s the greatest gift we can give toward public safety.”
Gayle McLaughlin, who termed out as Richmond mayor, now sits on the city council and continues to support the self-help group The Richmond Project.
McLaughlin said that “Richmond Rises” is an anti-violence group that welcomes returning citizens to a safe environment. “There’s a real commitment by the men in The Richmond Project to give back to the youth,” she said. “We are working on a one-stop center in Richmond for returning citizens, called the Welcoming Center.”
“Excellent, beautiful feeling to be here — my son came all the way from Sweden to be here,” said inmate David Jassy, 40, one of the graduates. “GRIP teaches getting in touch with your emotions and emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. We’re all humans and we’re all the same; we just go through different journeys. These are things I want to teach my son. I want him to see that all these men chose certain paths, and this is where they ended up. Since I can’t be out there and teach him, at least this gives him an opportunity to see a role model. Even if just for a few hours … It takes away from the stereotypical … I hope it inspires him to be a peacemaker.”
“I sincerely hope Jeffrey Beard and all the wardens recognize the excellent programming being offered at San Quentin. It should be funded and offered at all California institutions,” said Mike Daly, a senior probation officer.
Eric Villanueva: The number one reason I became involved in the GRIP group is to stop my violence and to have the tools and knowledge so never again will I feel the need to do harm to anyone.
Johnnie Walker: What I got out of the GRIP program is number one; how to stop my violence and do no harm; number two; how I practice turning the tool from the GRIP program into life skills; and number three; the importance of becoming a peacemaker.
Joseph Demerson: What I really enjoyed about the GRIP program was that the program created a safe environment for me to analyze my past to be able to understand my present emotional state. Secondly, GRIP allowed me to process the pain from my past with a deep understanding of emotional intelligence.
Clayborne Dennis: Being part of Tribe 654 has opened my eyes to understand not to take things personal and to be patient with my actions in order to respond to things instead of reacting. Be in peace Mr. Clarence Hill!
Charlie Thao (Tribe 654): Through GRIP, I learned that hurt people hurt people, healed people, heal people, and that only through forgiveness of ourselves and from others that can cease this rage.
Thomas R. Jeffery: In GRIP I’ve learned to put a handle on violence, how to stop and think, how not to take everything personal, how to embrace life, the good and the bad.
Lam Hong: From GRIP, I learn to stop my violence and do no harm. Best of all, I learned to develop emotional intelligence. Now I am free from problems and blame. I now know to trust my experience with my identity.
Jeffery A. Williams (Tribe 654): Most importantly, the GRIP program has clearly demonstrated my part in becoming a peacemaker. I and I alone am responsible for how I respond to life’s challenges.
Tare Beltranchuc: The GRIP program has equipped me with the tools and techniques to cope with potential violent situations in a skillful manner.
Jaime Sanchez: About the GRIP program, I learn that even though I grew up in a difficult place and that a lot of my character defects are the result in grand part of my up-bringing. I do not have to remain stuck in my old ways but instead I can choose to become a better person, a person capable of being what I was meant to be in the first place. A person which new priority is to be a peacekeeper.
Johnny Gomez: The best thing about graduating from GRIP was the expression of pride on my mom’s, dad’s and son’s face.
Benny Wiggins: What I’ve learned in the GRIP program is process my emotions by feeling them and releasing my emotions assertively and properly non-violent communication.
Ricky Penaloza: What I get out of this self-help group GRIP is how to deal with my anger, attitude and feelings for other people and how to communicate as a peacemaker.
Damon L. Cooke (Tribe 654): If we live long enough, changes are we’ll experience the crossroads of “Integrity” and the questions that haunt us all when confronted. GRIP is the answer.
Ron Ehde: The GRIP program has helped me to come out of my shell to learn, grow and be a part of something bigger than myself.
Jesse Smith: I have a sense of understanding and insight into my feelings that have been bottled up for so long. I also have dealt with problems better. Now I’m able to take a step back.
James Wortham: I understand my sensations, emotions and thoughts and how they coincided in harmony allows me to be more compassionate and respond skillfully.
Terry Clark (Tribe 654): GRIP helped me to understand victims impact, to make amends and make peace with the life. I had no right to take, to transform myself to become a peacemaker.
Ernest Hill (Tribe 654): What GRIP means to me and what I gain from the program is the self of family and being willing to express any feelings and emotions without individual judging me behind showing those emotions.
Rahsaan Thomas contributed to this story
Archives for December 2014
Computer Coding Class Comes to San Quentin
The Last Mile’s program prepares inmates for good outside jobs
Inmates enrolled in a computer coding class showcased their work at a press conference on Nov. 12.
The class, called Code.7370, allows inmates to learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript virtually from coding teachers who work at Hack Reactor, a coding academy in San Francisco.
Inmates receive instruction through video conference calls with teachers on an administrative network, and take the class in an offline computer lab, according to a California Prison Industry Authority press release by Michele Kane.
“This is exciting for San Quentin,” said then Acting Warden Kelly Mitchell. “It’s something that the department fully supports
Code.7370 is a collaboration between Hack Reactor, CALPIA General Manager Charles Pattillo and Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti — Silicon Valley venture capitalists who co-founded inmate entrepreneurship training program The Last Mile (TLM).
The training program TLM, established in 2010, invites successful technology and business professionals to work with inmates and “help bridge the gap between the penal system and the technology sector,” the CALPIA press release reports.
“It has taken a lot of work to prepare the classroom for the first 18 inmates,” Pattillo said. CALPIA doled out about a quarter million dollars to construct the San Quentin classroom, with an annual operating cost of about $180,000, according to Pattillo.
According to Pattillo, the program saves the state money because it lowers the recidivism rate. Inmates who participated in the CALPIA’s Career Technical Training program have a 7.1 percent recidivism rate, while the total three-year recidivism rate for all felons released between fiscal years 2002-03 and 2008-09 is 61 percent, according to a 2013 CDCR report: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Adult_Research_Branch/Research_documents/Outcome_evaluation_Report_2013.pdf.
“It costs about $60,000 a year to incarcerate the 18 men in this classroom,” Pattillo said. “Do the math, that’s a cost of $1,080,000.”
The challenge is to provide this type of training to prisons located in remote places and be able to teach the curriculum without Internet access, Pattillo said. He added that he is optimistic that the program could expand to other prisons, emphasizing the women’s prisons.
“When I found out about The Last Mile and the Code.7370 class, I wanted to get involved, said Jon Gripshover, one of the program’s instructors who used to work with at-risk youths. “The coding class gives the inmates tools that they could use to help them find jobs once they are released from prison.”
The curriculum is administered in two-day blocks called sprints, where inmates are paired up and given specific programming tasks and projects to complete together.
“The team concept in problem solving is really helpful,” said Jason Jones, a 31-year-old inmate who is one of the program’s students. “When we get problems, my partner might see a solution to a problem that I may not see. So, I’m learning from him. Two heads are better than one.”
Jones has been in prison since 2006 and is scheduled to be released in 2017.
Following the press conference, Redlitz went on to facilitate the current session of TLM. At the session, about 14 new inmates — not participating in the coding program — are learning how to develop business ideas that have a socially responsible component.
Inmates stood before the class to pitch their ideas, which range from ways to allow musicians to share and profit from their work to apps that would give users detailed information about food choices.
“Teaching inmates to do this type of work keeps jobs in America,” said Redlitz. “This program shifts the out-sourcing of jobs, bringing good jobs back to the U.S.”
More information about CalPIA can be found at www.calpia.ca.gov.
Centerforce Holds Graduation Ceremony
Forty inmates received certificates of completion in October after graduating from a peer health program taught by Centerforce.
The graduation ceremonies were spread over two days. Prior to the graduations, two 11-week training sessions were held. During the sessions, the men learned about the pervading transmission and prevention of STDs and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV/AIDS, communication and other subjects.
“It’s been eye opening and inspirational. It’s a privilege to be here,” said Daniel Sterling, one of the inmate graduates.
Centerforce transitional case manager Shannon Gordhamer told the men, “In the history of the world there has never been another you, and there never will be.” She then quoted Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Another inmate said it was his second time taking the class and that he learns something new each time.
“It’s a very informative class,” said Khalil Thrower. “It has given me the skills to communicate more effectively about diseases.”
During the closing ceremony, each class participant was urged to continue with post-training knowledge and to recognize the bond formed with each other and skills acquired throughout the program.
“When we have these classes and I see a light go on (among students), that makes me feel motivated and inspired,” said Lonnie Morris, an incarcerated facilitator for the program. “This has been an enlightening experience for me.”
The atmosphere in the room was festive as the men applauded and cheered each other on. “Congratulations, brother” could be heard spoken from one inmate to another.
“I want to thank and commend you for being committed and consistent,” said Jessica McGhie, who is Centerforce’s manager of the peer health program and one of its transitional case managers. She said this is the third class she has taught at San Quentin. “I appreciated the opportunity to teach this class.”
A cultural ritual, marking the completion of each class, is to have the men form a circle. They then toss a ball of string to someone across the circle. As the process is repeated it eventually forms a web in the center; a symbol that reinforces their bond.
“Luz, vida, esperanza,” (light, life, hope) is what each man said as they wrapped the string three times around their hand. They then shared something experienced or learned in the class.
“I appreciate it so much,” said Samuel Woige as he thanked the class. He said a friend of his died of AIDS.
“I’ve learned that the information is priceless,” said Jessie Reed. “I took the class because I wanted to know more.”
Centerforce teaches four 11-week training sessions a year at San Quentin with an additional ongoing class to provide general information that meets on Fridays.
“Every person in a cell should take this class,” said Thrower. “It teaches you how to avoid certain things in prison.”
Centerforce is one the oldest groups at San Quentin. It was founded in 1975 “to address the needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by incarceration,” according to one of its pamphlets.
The program has been around for so long that people are familiar with it, McGhie said.
For more than 15 years, Centerforce has provided its peer education class at San Quentin. Today the program is offered at Central California Women’s Facility, Valley State Prison and Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail, providing peer health education to more than 300 inmates a year.
McGhie said Centerforce’s transitional case managers assist men with parole dates to prepare for return to the community.
While Centerforce focuses on health and disease prevention in prison, it also provides parolees with housing referrals, links those with chronic illnesses to transitional case management providers and assists with education and employment goals.
Centerforce is a nonprofit organization funded by grants and donations. It is one of the primary sponsors of the annual TRUST Health Fair at San Quentin.
Centerforce literature says it “Hires, trains, supervises and supports people living in prison.”
At San Quentin, Centerforce’s primary staff of three includes Dr. Julie Lifshay, program specialist and project manager; McGhie, peer health program manager and transitional case manager; and Gordhamer, transitional case manager (Alameda County). Delores Lyles, Abayomi Brame and Jannette Smith work on the outside and come into San Quentin as needed. Larry Hill is the executive director based in Oakland.
Upon departing, one inmate said, “This class was really insightful; with all the information I learned it’s going to help me live a healthy life.”
‘Curly Joe’ Inspires Others to Change
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation knows him as inmate James L. Burrell, #C34144. However, around San Quentin’s Vocational Machine Shop (VMS) program, he was affectionately known as “Curly Joe,” a curmudgeonly, gruff-acting inmate with a hidden heart of gold.
Curly Joe paroled last February after being incarcerated for nearly 33 years, all of which were served right here at San Quentin.
Curly Joe managed the Tool Room within the VMS program and ran it with a no-nonsense efficiency. He had responsibility and accountability for every piece of equipment that either left or entered the tool crib. When a student needed a particular tool, he would quickly identify it and provide the student with what was required to get the job done. You could often hear his familiar bark around the shop, yelling for someone to either pick up or turn in their tools.
The one person who knows him best is his friend and fellow machine shop student and lead man, Duane Butler. “I met Curly around 1996. He is a caring and giving person. He is the kind of person you would love to have as a brother. He is the definition of what you call a true friend. No matter what his personal situation may be, Curly will try to help you. He is honest and straight up. You don’t find many men like that around a place like this. He is a man truly blessed by God. He will always be a part of my family.”
Lead-man and machinist apprentice Ed Ballenger said, “I’ve gotten to know him quite well over the years, and he’s a great guy. He will be missed.”
He had a unique perspective to see several changes inside the prison. Along with changes in the administration, he has watched the start and end of the careers of several correctional officers and staff.
He has witnessed the changes in San Quentin’s character as the prison population has flipped over several times.
“I came in as a young man for a crime I sincerely regret,” Burrell said before leaving San Quentin. “I’ve seen a lot of changes going on around here. Some for the better, some worse, but the one thing that’s remained constant is the monotony and tediousness of it all. I’ve been fortunate to find peace, and a position within the machine shop that’s given me a modicum of responsibility and lots of friendships I will always cherish.”
Burrell was one of the longest-tenured prisoners on San Quentin’s mainline.
Nurse Raney Dixon’s Retirement
Nurse Raney Dixon retired at the end of December after more than 10 years at San Quentin.
Members of the medical staff and co-workers of Dixon had this to say about the retiree:
Beverly Allison: Ms. Dixon is a very caring person, and she has really cared about the well-being of the inmates. I have known her from the first day that she started. I know for sure she is one that you don’t mess with. When it comes to her job duties, she takes that very seriously. So, please know what you are talking about when you tell her something.
Nurse Dixon in the Lower Yard
gymnasium during the Health Fair
RN Manny Aldip: The time that I’ve known and worked with Raney – almost nine years – she has shared with me some of her experiences from more than 30 years as an RN, especially her experiences here at San Quentin. This I truly appreciate as it has improved my overall understanding of the patient population that we are caring for. Throughout the past several years, I’ve come to know a wonderful, smart, courageous and fair woman who sticks to her guns; goes by the book when it comes to her nursing practice; but, always opens her heart and her mind to people who need a shoulder or someone to listen. She will be missed, not only by the staff, who have had the opportunity to interact with her, but also by the people and patients she has helped and encouraged. Raney, enjoy your retirement and the good things that come with it.
Marielle Almares: It has been a pleasure getting to know Raney not only as a co-worker but as a friend. Along with her passion and dedication to fairness and proper care of patients, she has a good heart and always puts others first. Thank you for all your advice, support and encouragement. You will truly be missed!
Rosemary Smith: Ms. Dixon is such a kindhearted person. Working in the appeals department with her was such a joy. Whenever I had a question or needed assistance, she was always willing to help. I am going to miss her, and her beautiful smile. Wishing you much luck in the next chapter of your life. May God continue to bless you.
Angel Llano: Raney is a patient co-worker and focused RN. She does her best to help her patients and co-workers. Congratulations and good luck!
RN Sue Patrick: Always available and supportive of her fellow nurses. Helping many of us through her wise experience and being an SEIU steward. She has been a very strong presence in SEIU. She takes many hours of her own time to counsel and learn. I have great respect for Raney. Not to mention her daily beautiful smile and happy attitude. She is an awesome nurse, kind and considerate to all inmates. She is a wonderful cook also. I will miss her, but she has earned her retirement! I wish her all the best!
LVN Stephen Bale: Each end brings a new beginning, but you will be missed!
Lori Scharf: I have not known Raney very long, but I feel like I have known her forever. She is warm and caring – the perfect person to be the patient advocate. San Quentin won’t be the same without her.
RN Nina Podolsky: I’ve known you since the day I was searching for a friendly shoulder to cry on, warm heart to feel for me and cool head to help me with my problems. You have always been so patient, and always had time to listen to my problems, no matter big or small. All these years I’ve known you, you have been a great advocate for your co-workers and for patients. You are my model nurse, model friend and I know that I’m so lucky that you are present in my life. It is really a privilege to work with you, and I will sure miss our discussions, laughs, food and more. And, there is no goodbye from me because I hope that we will continue this great relationship; after all, they are building more restaurants in Emeryville.
Correctional Officer Stubs: The best nurse I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Prisoners show their respect:
Isaiah Thompson-Bonilla CHSB Porter/Clerk: I will always remember Ms. Dixon as the person of reason. She always smiled and spoke with a kind sobering voice. She will be remembered for her wealth of wisdom.
Ms. Dixon is a good person who always walks around with a smile on her face and ready to talk about those Raiders. It is a true blessing to see a woman who smiles and enjoys what she does. Thank you, Ms. Dixon, for your smile and your great work; also, for not judging me because of where I am but as who I’ve become.
Anthony Ammons, CHSB Porter: Ms. Dixon always stood strong in delivering bedside skills and coordinating with multiple agents securing safe transportations of inmate/patients. As a steward, she has taught me the value in being courageous. She resonates Maya Angelou’s words, “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest.” For this, I will always be grateful to her. Her ability to express what was true and right — knowing insurmountable work would be attached — but because it was the “right thing to do” has persevered in many of us. Ms. Dixon is among the best nurses I have met in four states I have worked in over 35 years. These principles enable nurses to secure the receivership’s goals with the care much needed by our inmate/patients. Thank you Ms. Dixon for your patience and kindness.
Three-Strikers Learn What Leads to Release
There is a possibility that many of the nearly 9,000 Three-Strikers currently incarcerated in California will be eligible for parole in 2018. Many are asking what specific requirements the board is looking for in order to approve their release.
Executive Officer of the Board of Parole Hearings Jennifer Shaffer said people hoping to parole need to know who they were, who they are today and the difference between the two.
Hope for Strikers, San Quentin’s Three-Strike self-help group, held a forum on Oct. 10 that included Shaffer and Chief Counsel for the Board of Parole Hearings Howard E. Moseley.
Hope for Strikers is a support group that has adapted the 12-step program from Alcoholics Anonymous. One of the group’s objectives is to prepare inmates to meet the board successfully.
As the forum progressed, Shaffer made it clear that Three-Strikers coming before the board will be judged by the same standard as every lifer, i.e. whether they pose a current danger to public safety.
“I don’t think anything is different about these hearings,” Shaffer said. She explained that the board will be asking Three-Strikers the same questions they ask other lifers, and the board will want to see the same kind of growth in both violent and non-violent offenders.
“People hoping to parole need to know who they were, who they are today, and the difference between the two”
“Anger issues and substance abuse issues you haven’t addressed” are the things commissioners will look for, said Shaffer. Whether an offender is non-violent or violent, the same criminal thinking leads to crimes, and non-violent crimes can become violent crimes when situations unexpectedly spin out of control, she said.
Shaffer also answered questions about the recent court decisions capping California’s prison inmate population. “Do not come to us asking for projections on who we’re going to let out,” She said. “That’s not what we’re about. We take it case by case and don’t form policies with population reduction in mind.”
Shaffer said that all activities in which the men participate would affect board hearings, ranging from self-help groups addressing past behavior to rules violations while incarcerated.
Shaffer has given talks to prosecutors, community groups, inmate council groups and victims’ advocacy groups. She stated that her goal is to dispel conspiracy theories that the board has bias.
“To me, the biggest resource we have is our integrity.” Shaffer said. “We don’t have an interest in the outcome of our hearings other than that the hearings are fair, unbiased and that the decisions rendered can withstand judicial scrutiny.”
‘Horrific’ Pepper Spray Use Prompts New Curb
A federal judge has sharply curbed the use of pepper spray on mentally ill California prisoners.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton signed off Aug. 1 on a state reform plan drawn up in compliance with a court order, reported Julie Small for The California Report on Aug. 19.
“Horrific” is the word used by Karlton to describe video evidence submitted to the court that shows pepper spray being used on a hallucinating inmate, said Small. The inmate, Jermaine Padilla, would not leave his cell in order to receive medication, she said.
“He has described this as making him feel like less than an animal,” said Padilla’s attorney, Lori Rifkin. Padilla believes the experience at Corcoran worsened his schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder and has permanently damaged him, Rifkin added.
The plan by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is designed to detail changes in the use of force on mentally ill inmates, reported Small.
The move on behalf of CDCR comes in response to an April federal court order mandating that changes be made concerning when and how correctional officers can use pepper spray to force uncooperative inmates to leave their cells or follow orders, reported Small.
Pepper spray possibly played a part in the deaths of three inmates, Small reported.
Lesser injuries also may have been caused by pepper spray, added Small. The exact number is unknown because CDCR does not consider the effects of pepper spray an injury, Small reported.
The California Report stated that there are 37,000 inmates in California with mild to severe mental illness, about one-quarter of the overall prison population.
Small reported that over the past two decades a number of lawsuits brought by inmates have revealed a “correctional system poorly equipped to deliver adequate care to the needs of these inmates.
Karlton determined last fall that changes are needed regarding psychiatric care.
Small quoted a national expert on correctional mental health, Terry Kupers, as saying, “The pepper spray, the cell extractions, the beatings, the violence among prisoners – all those constitute reenactments of trauma in people who were previously traumatized and make them more emotionally disabled.”
The California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) also recognizes a problem with the current use of force, and considers the court-ordered changes long overdue, Small reported.
Karlton’s April court order bans the use of pepper spray on mentally ill inmates in cells and psychiatric holding facilities with few exceptions, noted Small.
“The critical element is to appropriately train our members to recognize what they are dealing with,” said Craig Brown, a lobbyist for CCPOA, speaking of the reform plan, according to Small.
Principal among the changes is that prison staff will be trained to collaborate and to use force only as an absolute last measure after all other options have failed, said Small.
The California Report reported that some negotiations are still under way, yet CDCR officials plan on full implementation of the reforms by the end of this year.
Public Interest Attorney Wagner Cited for Advocacy
The American Constitution Society (ACS) has recognized a public interest attorney for his “advocacy on behalf of marginalized people.”
Peter J. Wagner, executive director and co-founder of Prison Policy Initiative (PPI), was awarded the ACS’s David Carliner Public Interest Award at its National Convention earlier this year.
“I went to law school a decade ago when prison populations were going up, and up, and up seemed like the only future,” said Wagner.
An ACS press release said it gives this annual award to a mid-career public interest lawyer whose work best exemplifies David Carliner’s legacy of “fearless, uncompromising and creative advocacy…”
Wagner said the ACS award, named after Carliner, a champion of human rights, is “a huge honor because it recognizes criminal justice issues, and the victories we have all in this room won together over the last decade.”
In a speech at the ACS convention, Wagner said medical doctors are guided by the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm. He said the U.S. criminal justice system is not designed using the same standard. Instead, it has “a set of policies that do more to exacerbate existing racial and economic disparities in our country than they do to respond to crime.”
“I co-founded the Prison Policy Initiative to change that reality,” said Wagner. “It is absolutely essential that our justice policies be fair, and it is critical that our policies actually make our communities stronger and safer.”
Under Wagner, PPI brought prison gerrymandering, a U.S. Census policy that counts prisoners where they are incarcerated instead of where they are from, to the forefront of national consciousness.
“I took on prison gerrymandering more than a decade ago,” Wagner told the ACS audience. “I connected the dots and built a broad multi-sector movement that has permanently changed how our democracy works…”
Some of Wagner’s work with PPI also includes updating policy-makers with accurate data on mass incarceration and recently convincing the Federal Communications Commission to impose regulations on the prison phone industry by placing a cap on the cost of calls when prisoners call home.
“I’m confident that, if all of the different parts of the legal profession work together, we can make a better, safer and more just world,” Wagner said in his speech at the ACS convention.
PPI has three full-time staffers and one part-time staff member. On occasion, consultants and student volunteers work with the organization.
Wagner received his Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he majored in social thought and political economy, with a minor in African-American studies.
Law Banning Forced Sterilization Signed
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation banning forced and coerced sterilizations of women in California jails and prisons.
The bill bans tubal ligations except to save a patient’s life or to treat a medical condition when no less drastic procedure is possible. The new law takes effect Jan. 1.
“It’s clear that we need to do more to make sure that forced or coerced sterilizations never again occur in our jails and prisons,” said the author of SB1135, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara. “Pressuring a vulnerable population into making permanent reproductive choices without informed consent violates our most basic human rights.”
Prison rules allowed women prisoners to have their tubes tied as part of regular obstetrical care, the Reuters news agency reported.
An audit released in June showed that there were errors in obtaining informed consent from 39 women inmates out of 144 who had their tubes tied while incarcerated between 2005 and 2011, Reuters reported. In 27 of the 39 cases, the audit showed a physician did not sign the required consent form.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is under court orders to improve medical and mental health care delivery in its overcrowded prisons.
Native Hawaiian Spiritual Group Celebrates Makahiki
“ALOOOOOOHA!” Damon Cooke greeted the guests and set the tone at the second annual Makahiki ceremony, on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Spiritual Group in San Quentin’s Arc building.
Reginald Hola, Jeremiah Stephens and
Elijah Fejeran pose outside the ARC building before performing the “Haka” ceremonial dance
“Today is about paying homage to our ancestors and everyone who has helped us form our identity and grow as a unit,” said Cooke, an inmate organizer.“Aloha is a greeting, salutation and farewell all in one word,” said Reginald Hola. “Broken down, aloha is sharing…spreading, sunshine…aloha is love.”
The spirit of aloha was felt throughout the ceremony from its inclusiveness in everything from the sharing of Hawaiian culture to story telling, dances and the menu.
“They are bringing Hawaiian culture, all feeling present and aloha spirit,” said guest Monique LeSarre. “I’m amazed by their spirit of generosity, strength, channeled manhood, power and connection through love and spirit related to culture. They have invited many nationalities to share in their culture.”
Makahiki is the season of Lono.
“Lono is the patron spirit of agriculture, fertility, peace and healing,” A. Panthong told the crowd.
Many of the men in blue, who performed the spiritual dances, weren’t Hawaiian, but that didn’t matter.
“You don’t have to be from Hawaii to be a part of it. If you believe in love and togetherness, you are part of it,” said Vinh Nguyen, who is Vietnamese. “I got involved to help with paperwork — I can’t dance.”
“I embraced their culture, and they embraced me,” said Donald Ray Walker Jr., an African-American. “I learned the dances in the native Hawaiian group on Saturdays.”
“I personally embrace those who embrace my culture,” said Hawaiian elder D. Kualapai.
“Being a Pakistani and having so many Samoan and Hawaiian cell mates, they wanted me to come to their services,” Adnan Khan said. “I noticed everybody’s culture is universal. It is very relatable to Pakistan culture and Islam — unity, oneness, doing righteous deeds and fostering brotherhood.”
“Our weaknesses are strengthened by diversity. Everybody learns from everybody,” added Hola. “Our main goal is giving self-ID through tradition and culture. Everybody is part of Pacific Island Asian culture, so we decided to give everybody a chance to promote unity.”
The dances, like the Kila Kila, Manu Samoa and Aoteroa Haka, were done with aggressive stances, bare feet stomping to a single drum beat, hostile looks, tongues sticking out, eyes bulging, beating of chest, strong arm movements and chants done in an intimidating fashion.
“It was symbolic of a battle; literately and figuratively. There was bloodshed, but there was a spiritual battle too,” said Cooke. “We mean you no harm; peace is in our hearts. In this culture, it’s love.”
Indeed, the Haka dances are fostering peace. The Hawaiian community has been seen performing the Haka at many events, including Roots, a Restorative Justice symposium, and a Patton University graduation.
“I am here because of the performance at last year’s graduation, I was so moved by it on a metaphysical and spiritual level, it was exciting,” said Joy Brooke Fairfield, Prison University Project instructor.
“We have a huge community that includes these guys, and they didn’t have a venue,” said Kara Urion, a Patton coordinator. “Almost every person who performed the Haka is in our program.”
Many stories were shared. Among them tales about “Uku,” the custom of reciprocity and how it spreads prosperity.“I live in a prison cell, but that’s not my home. I have to reconnect to the heart to navigate my way home,” said Upu Ama.
Khan explained the concept of “Mana.”
“Mana is the energy you can’t see, but you feel it,” said Khan. “Senior spirits disturbed it everywhere. In humans, it’s our talents, our strength, our intelligence, our leadership and charisma. Mana is what made Jordan, Jordan. If you abuse Mana, you will lose it. Don’t lose your Mana — be righteous people”
“We were all newborns representing new hope, love and opportunities,” Ama said from the podium in between dances. “As I grew up, I got lost and became the enemy who attacked and destroyed the village. Today we are aiding rebirth — a process of reconciliation.”
Even the menu showed the thoughtfulness of the Native Hawaiian Spiritual Group. They served 13 different entrees, which included several options for everybody—Halal, vegan and Kosher.
“Our culture is family orientated. Once we get to know you, you are automatically family. We are into oneness; that’s indicative of our culture,” said Grace Taholo, the group’s sponsor.
Aunties (older ladies in the community) and Kasi Chakravartula, a Roots volunteer, made the leis the guys wore.
“We didn’t have enough money for leis,” said Jun “Auntie Jun” Hamamoto. “But a friend taught us how to make them for free when she found out who it was for. I put a call out to the aunties, and just like that, they were there. They came, and we made 25 leis.”
After everyone ate, the event ended with calls for Nick Lopez to dance. An impromptu half-circle was made on stage and the dancers performed the male Hula. Lopez was cast into the center where he delivered. Also, O. Hameti hilariously incorporated the Cabbage-Patch dance into the traditional moves.
“The Hula and story-telling were amazing,” said Chakravartula.
“I’m honored that they reached out to me and were inclusive,” said Earlonne Woods.
“These guys are a new group. I’m amazed by how much they’ve accomplished,” Hamamoto said.
-Aaron “Harun” Taylor contributed to this story.
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